Joey Cullen Is Ready A Different Path

Joey Cullen is already familiar with the weight that comes with a hockey name.

At 16 years old, Cullen is not simply another highly regarded prospect entering the USHL. He is the son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen and the younger brother of Wyatt Cullen, who was selected 10th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2026 NHL Draft.

That family history could easily become a burden for a young player trying to establish himself. So far, Cullen appears to be doing something different.

He is building his own path.

Cullen enters the 2026-27 season as one of the most intriguing prospects in the USHL and one of the players scouts will be watching closely for the 2028 NHL Draft. He has already attracted considerable attention despite being only 16 years old.

That is a remarkable position for a player who is still two years away from draft eligibility. Cullen's resume already stands out.

Last season, he split his time between Moorhead High School and Honeybaked's 15U program. Combined, he produced 92 points in 39 games. At Moorhead, he helped lead the Spuds to a Minnesota state championship, recording 19 goals and 40 points in only 18 games.

Then came the international stage.

Cullen became the first underage player ever selected to the United States roster for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He did not simply make the team and watch from the sidelines. He scored the opening goal for Team USA in its 6-4 victory over Czechia.

For a player his age, that is an extraordinary introduction to international hockey.

But perhaps the most interesting part of Cullen's story is not what he has accomplished. It is where he is going next.

Instead of following exactly the same developmental path as his brothers, Cullen is joining the U.S. National Under-17 Team in the USHL. He will become the first member of the Cullen family to play for the U.S. National Under-17 Team. Wyatt took a different route through the NTDP, while Brooks developed with the Fargo Force.

The USHL will present Cullen with something he has not faced to the same degree.

Older, stronger players.

Cullen still has growing and strength building to do, but his skill, speed, hands, poise and hockey sense already separate him from many players his age. Those qualities should serve him well during his first full USHL season.

That physical development could become one of the most important parts of his progression.

At this stage, there is no need to rush the process. Cullen is 16. He does not need to be finished. He needs to continue developing. And he has an unusual advantage in that process. He has people around him who have already lived it.

Matt Cullen played 21 NHL seasons and won three Stanley Cups. Wyatt has just gone through the experience of being selected in the top 10 of the NHL Draft. Joey was sitting with his family in Buffalo when his older brother heard his name called.

Joey understands exactly what the destination looks like. But he also appears to understand that his route there will be his own. The family support may be one of his greatest advantages. The expectations will be enormous. The Cullen name guarantees that.

But expectations and identity are two different things. Joey Cullen does not have to become Matt Cullen. He does not have to become Wyatt Cullen. He simply has to become Joey Cullen.

And if his first 16 years are any indication, hockey fans are going to have plenty of reasons to watch how that story develops.